Wout Weghorst made history with unique goal for the Netherlands after telling girlfriend his prediction
Wout Weghorst emerged as the Netherlands' hero in their Euro 2024 opener, and it seems he predicted it all along.
The 31-year-old came off the bench against Poland with nine minutes to play and his first touch fired the ball into the back of the net.
It saw Ronald Koeman's side come from behind to win 2-1 and go top of Group D with France and Austria yet to play.
But Weghorst's goal also saw him make history - he is the fastest substitute to ever score for the Netherlands at a European Championship.
His finish came two minutes and 24 seconds after he was brought on and could prove crucial in their hopes of reaching the last 16.
Whilst the Burnley striker may have been an unlikely hero, Weghorst revealed after the match that he anticipated his winning moment.
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"I knew this was going to happen," he is reported to have said.
"I can show you the WhatsApp texts. This morning I texted my girlfriend: 'It will be 0-0 or 1-1 about 20 minutes before FT whistle, and then...' My goal came a bit later, but still."
Weghorst's goal was his 11th for the Netherlands in 33 appearances and fourth at a major tournament.
It's not the first time he has made an impact off the bench as he scored two goals as a substitute against Argentina at the World Cup in 2022 before they eventually lost on penalties.
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But this time round, his heroics have helped secured three hugely important points in one of the toughest groups at Euro 2024.
Poland took the lead after 16 minutes with Adam Buksa's header from a corner but a deflected Cody Gakpo strike then levelled the score.
It looked as though both sides would settle for a draw but it was Weghorst who fired the Netherlands in front late on.
They next play on Friday when they will face one of the tournament favourites France before a final group clash with Austria.